Seller FAQ

What is the difference in tax value vs. market value?

Tax value doesn’t take into account any specific details of your property. Instead, it is a general assessment based on an algorithm assigned to a geographical area. Market value, on the other hand, is based on sales that are comparable to your property that have closed within the past 12 months. Market value also takes into account the specific, unique, and awesome features of your property.

Is it okay for me to be present for showings/inspections?

We don’t recommend it. You want potential buyers to envision a future in the space—which is a difficult task when the current owner is hovering. Buyers will want to open your cabinets and look in your closets and talk candidly with their representation about your property. It’s best to give them room to do so.

Do I need to do a pre-inspection?

There’s no universal right answer to this question, but we can help you decide what works for you. Pre-inspections do give sellers the opportunity to be proactive with repairs and disclosure, so they know what to expect when a buyer comes knocking. No one likes to be caught off guard.

How do I know which repairs/improvements to make?

Making your home attractive goes a long way. It’s the first—and if you don’t do it right, the only—time a buyer will see your home. Now’s the time to jump on those little fixes and tackle any stubborn cluttered areas. Depending on factors like your target market, general cost, and motivation to sell, we will help you determine which repairs need to be done before you hit the market. Over the years, we’ve developed relationships with a great team of contractors who can take care of all fixes, big and small.

Why is an appraisal important?

An appraisal is one of the most fundamentally important aspects of selling a property. To mitigate risk, banks will only lend on the appraised value of a home. Unless you want to wait on a cash buyer, the contract price needs to be in line with where an appraisal is expected to come in, so that financing goes smoothly. Appraised value is based on recent market data.

Do I need to move out before marketing my home?

Do you have six dogs? Are you renting to undergrad college students? There are lots of factors to consider, and we can help you figure out what makes the most sense for your situation.

What do I need to disclose?

Material facts, which is a fancy term for anything that, if known, might cause a buyer or seller to make a different decision regarding a contract or price. We take our motto “Integrity Matters” seriously, and we hold our clients to the same standards.

Do I need to be at closing?

As long as the required paperwork is completed in advance (we can help with that!), you don’t need to attend closing.